By Helen Partlow, Associate Attorney at Waypoint Immigration USA
What Makes a Strong Proposed Endeavor for EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)?
What is a proposed endeavor?
If you have done any research on your own, you will probably see the term “proposed endeavor” when researching the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) visa category. This fancy term simply means “proposed plan to impact America.” This is the basis for the entire application, the most important part.
When looking at your application, the USCIS officer wants to see that you have a logical and concrete plan for how you will impact the country in the future. Having this impact is crucial for the NIW application. How will you impact America in the short term and the long term? The effect that you will have should extend beyond that of your employer and benefit the industry you are in and the U.S. as a whole. This is why, often, those in STEM fields have the easiest time making this argument. However, those in the arts can also qualify for the NIW, depending on their proposed endeavor.
When determining your proposed endeavor, you should look at your background—what professional experience have you had? What field is your degree or education? Your proposed endeavor should align with your professional efforts. Determining your proposed endeavor can be tricky because it must be FUTURE focused while simultaneously it should match your past. In the NIW, you have to show that based on your PAST contributions, you are likely to have a FUTURE impact that aligns with the goals of the United States. It is vital to frame and explain this well in your application.
Sometimes, an applicant can have a varied background. This can still be an approvable application, but it is all about how you frame your proposed endeavor. What is the common thread among all your experiences? What is at the heart of what you have accomplished? Most importantly, what will you be doing in the future?
Proposed Endeavor Checklist
When analyzing if you have created a strong proposed endeavor, consider the following checklist:
1. Future-focused – Have you emphasized your future contributions? While your track record is essential to establish credibility, the focus should be on how your work will address pressing needs or challenges in your field or society at large.
2. Broad National Impact – A strong proposed endeavor will show the USCIS Officer how your future efforts will extend beyond that of your employer.
3. Align with National Interests – Your efforts have to match the efforts and initiatives of the United States government.
Proposed Endeavor Example
An example of a strong proposed endeavor, in a summary form for purposes of this article, which our firm recently got approved without an RFE (request for evidence) is:
Proposed Endeavor: My goal is to advance sustainable urban development in the United States by developing and implementing innovative building technologies that reduce environmental impact while improving cost efficiency. Through my expertise in green construction, I aim to spearhead the creation of scalable, affordable housing models that integrate renewable energy systems and energy-efficient materials. By collaborating with policymakers, developers, and industry leaders, my work will address the nationwide housing crisis while contributing to the federal government’s goal of achieving a net-zero emissions building portfolio by 2045.
This endeavor has significant implications for both the construction industry and the country as a whole. By introducing data-driven methods to optimize building designs, this applicant plans to reduce costs and emissions, directly impacting the affordability and sustainability of housing nationwide. Beyond the applicant’s employer, this work will set a benchmark for green construction practices, influencing industry standards and inspiring widespread adoption of environmentally friendly building methods. This is a strong proposed endeavor because it is future-focused and shows how the applicant can make a future impact across the country beyond that of the employment. It also aligns with national agendas, and the United States has to show that the country is interested in furthering these things as the federal government.
Tips on how to improve your proposed endeavor
Please remember that your proposed endeavor needs to be future focused. You discuss your past accomplishments when discussing the second prong of Dhanasar, which is another part of the overall application. If the USCIS Officer thinks that your proposed endeavor does not lay out a well-defined future plan for how you can accomplish the items you are describing, you are likely to trigger an RFE or a denial.
You also need to be specific. You should outline specific action items you plan to take to develop your work and your contributions that will progress toward your overall goal. It is essential to describe the technical details of your future work in a way a non-technical person can understand. Remember that the USCIS officer and your attorney, if you have one, are not subject matter experts in your niche, and they need to know how your work fits into the overall goals that you describe.
Always explain how your work benefits the United States, not just for personal or corporate gain. It is apparent how you will benefit your employer since they are paying your wages to do the work you’ve been hired for. It is crucial to show how your work and contributions will extend beyond your employer to benefit the country.
Framing and describing your proposed endeavor is crucial to a strong NIW application.
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